TREATMENT OF HYPERTHYROIDISM WITH RADIOACTIVE IODINE

This article discusses the use of radioactive iodine I-131 for the tre atment of hyperthyroidism. Patient selection involves physiological an d clinical factors, and physician and patient preference, because surg ery and antithyroid medication are alternative treatment options. Dose selection remains an area of uncertainty, because it has not been pos sible, so far, to resolve the tradeoff between efficient, definitive c ure of hyperthyroidism and a high incidence of post-therapy hypothyroi dism. The considerations in the use of radioactive iodine in women in their childbearing years are reviewed. No clear, consistent cause-and- effect relationship has been proved between medical radioiodine use an d an increased risk of subsequent cancers.